Man Utd commentator causes controversy with blast at "rubbish" Arsenal star
Ben Thornley was questioned by his fellow MUTV commentator after controversially slamming Kai Havertz during Saturday's pre-season friendly between Man Utd and Arsenal.
United won the match 2-0, thanks to first-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho. Erik ten Hag's side also won the subsequent penalty shoot-out, which was slated to take place no matter the 90-minute result.
It was a forgettable evening for Arsenal, who gave minutes to new signings Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber. The German came in for particular criticism from former United winger Thornley, with some arguing he was too harsh on the ex-Chelsea star.
"I'd have just taken Kai Havertz off 'cause he's rubbish!" Thornley said early in the second period as both teams made changes. Co-commentator Stewart Gardner then asked the Class of '92 member what he had against the Gunners signing, and Thornley insisted he didn't have anything against him.
A number of fans also pounced on Thornley's comments on social media. "Havertz is subbed off so Ben Thornley, the MUTV commentator, can rest now," one said.
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"Even as a United fan I'm confused. What is this guy's problem with Havertz," asked another, though some United supporters appeared to enjoy Thornley's antics.
What did you make of Kai Havertz's performance against Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section
Ben Thornley (L) was questioned by co-commentator Stewart Gardner (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)Erik ten Hag was pleased with his team's performance, as well as the victory. United had already overcome Leeds and Lyon in pre-season action before kicking off their US tour against Mikel Arteta's side.
"Of course, they are all great games," the Dutchman told MUTV. "We have to go and it helps us to progress and especially those opponents, they are good. Arsenal is a really good opponent. They played incredibly good last season in the Premier League, so yeah, that’s good to match with them, then you will be better."
Arsenal boss Arteta was left frustrated, but expects the Gunners' new-look midfield to grow in stature as they get used to playing together. Havertz and Rice started with Martin Odegaard, with the London side moving on from long-serving midfielder Granit Xhaka after the Swiss international moved to Bayer Leverkusen.
Kai Havertz is still finding his feet at Arsenal (AP)"When they play 55 times together they will be better," he said. "It will flow better, they will understand each other better and will be more dominant and better.
"But it takes time to glide and we have to respect that. But I saw a lot of positive things, and things I like much more than the game we won the other day against the MLS even though the result is very different.
It won't be long before Arsenal and United lock horns again. The first league meeting between the clubs will be broadcast live on September 3, with Havertz and his team-mates given an early chance to gain revenge for their pre-season setback.
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